inverter/converter question

[ericcarr2000]

I have a 1990 250 sundancer that has a inverter and a converter switch on the breaker panel, can anyone explain to me what the difference is between the two, and which one I need to turn on to charge the batteries?

 

[Captain Ollie West]

A converter changes AC to DC. An inverter changes DC to AC. In my RV, I have a converter with a battery charger all in one system. When I plug into shore power, it converts the AC to DC to run the DC lights etc. in the trailer. It also activates a charger to maintain the batteries. An inverter would be used in the opposite way to change DC current from the batteries to AC power to run items that need AC power.

The two terms are often used incorrectly which leads to confusion.

 

[Captain Ollie West]

Also, it indicates on my converter that it has a battery charger. I don't know if they all have one. I am not familiar with inverters.